BE Newsletter: Issue #85

July 7, 2008

    
Issue #85
BE Newsletter
Technical Issue

Read the latest issue of BE Magazine

BE Conference 2008 in review    

BE Conference 2008 – BEst Practices for Sustaining Infrastructure – was held May 28-30 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Decision makers and senior practitioners from infrastructure organizations around the globe shared innovative best practices using Bentley solutions. The highly focused agenda allowed attendees to explore innovative ways to increase productivity, improve project quality, and reduce the costs and risks associated with sustaining infrastructure.

You can view the keynotes online, see the winners of the 2008 BE Awards of Excellence, and register for updates about BE Conference 2009, which will be held in Charlotte, N.C., the week of May 11. Soon the BE Conference 2008 sessions will be available online.

>> more

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New BE Communities website    

In his welcoming message at BE Conference 2008, Bentley CMO Ed Mueller announced the launch of our new BE Communities website. He said, “This new 24 x 7 web property is a destination site for you – the world’s infrastructure community – to connect, communicate, and learn from each other. Many thanks to Keith Bentley who has been the unwavering champion of this effort.

“We strongly encourage you to take a look and sign up. I recommend the getting-started tour that is available on the home page. And when you’re ready, click ‘Join’ to create your own profile. I’d encourage you to then search for your favorite topic and begin there. When you are ready to explore additional topics, you will find many communities to participate in.

“To give you a short description, the new BE Communities web 2.0 website is quite expansive and includes for each solution community: profiles – as it all starts with individuals and their interests; forums – an exchange of ideas and knowledge; blogs – popular online journals; a resource gallery – a repository of photos and videos; and for the overall website, we have a wiki – a free-form content reference.”

>> more

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Where are the discussion groups?    

In addition to solutions forums, there are forums in BE Communities to post inquiries on any Bentley product. However, to make it easier to find where to post questions and get answers, we are reorganizing the discussion groups. This means not all existing discussion.bentley.com groups have an exact match in BE Communities.

For each existing discussion.bentley.com group, we will post articles to help you identify where in the BE Communities you should go to post and read articles.

Each discussion group on discussion.bentley.com will be transitioned, 10 to 15 groups at a time, to read-only mode. The groups with the most activity will be the last to transition. Although there will be a brief period of overlap between the two systems, the intent is to transition entirely to the new BE Communities forums.

Existing discussion.bentley.com content will not be moved to the BE Communities forums because it uses a different storage technique and much of the information would not translate accurately. However, the discussion.bentley.com repository will remain online, read-only, and will be searchable, so it will always be possible to find answers to the questions posted there.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during the transition to this great new system. Should you have any questions regarding the move, please post them in bentley.general. In their new home, the Bentley discussion groups will be an even better place to learn new tips and tricks with Bentley products and to hear the frank views of other users.

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Sponsors    

HP delivers workstation technologies that help you work efficiently and reduce costs.

The HP workstation line includes mobile, desktop, and blade workstations. HP offers a choice of processors including Intel dual-core processors or quad-core processors or AMD processors. In addition, HP offers highly secure Blade Workstations, which provide the capability of remote engineering from centralized server-based workstations with powerful 3D performance.
>> Learn more about HP and great deals on HP workstations
>> Learn more about HP and Bentley

Free report: How to reduce errors in your engineering calculations

This report shows you the pitfalls of using spreadsheets to create engineering calculations. Learn the right tools and techniques to reduce errors – tools that use real math notation, capture engineering logic for easy auditing, and integrate with Bentley MicroStation and STAAD.

Download this free white paper: Moving Beyond the Limitations of Spreadsheets.

 
FIATECH announces new meeting dates for 2008 and 2009 – save these dates.
On October 27-29, 2008, FIATECH will be holding its annual members meeting at the Hyatt Regency in Cambridge, Mass. Keith Roe, chairman, president, and CEO of Burns and Roe, will chair the meeting with the theme "Creating Sustainable Business Value: Deploying Innovative Technologies." The meeting builds on FIATECH’s highly successful Annual Technology Conference & Showcase, which took place in New Orleans this past spring, and will provide FIATECH members with the opportunity to learn more about accelerating the delivery of increased and sustainable business value.
>> more

FIATECH's 2009 Technology Conference & Showcase, Where the Best Get Better, is open to the public and will be held April 6-8, 2009, at the Green Valley Ranch near Las Vegas, Nev. The conference will be chaired by Jerry Gipson, director, Engineering Solutions Technology Center, The Dow Chemical Company. Attendees will explore which technologies they should and shouldn’t be gambling on.
>> more

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Bentley tips    

How do you edit an existing composite section element in GEOPAK Site?
Suppose a composite section has been applied to an element and you need to modify it, but you are not sure what section settings were applied. Use the Site Element Information tool to select the element. Click the icon for Composite Section on the Associations tab. The Composite Section tool, with all the settings that had been applied, opens. See the example below.

Submitted by: Dilip Matanger, senior GEOPAK support engineer

How to quickly attach all pertinent reference files in Bentley Communications
You may have opened a design file and been forced to click OK a few dozen times to confirm that all the files referenced could not be found (because their path was different on the remote system that sent them to you). Here is a quick way to eliminate a recurrence of that problem and quickly attach all reference files pertinent to your file:

1. Using the Bentley Communications toolbox, select Reference Modify > File > Detach All. Click OK to detach all reference files that are attached.
2. Using the Bentley Communications toolbox, select Reference Attach > ALL. All reference files associated with the file you are working on are attached.

Submitted by: Dan Gordon, Geospatial Support

Draw On Solids and Modify Solid Entity tools in MicroStation
There is a new subset of tools in MicroStation located under Tools>3D Main>3D Modify: the Draw On Solids and Modify Solid Entity tools. The Draw On Solids tools allow you to draw directly on the face of any SmartSolid. For example, you can draw lines, blocks, circles, or imprint curves directly onto the face of any SmartSolid. Any closed element you create will create a new face on the current face of the solid. You then have the ability to use the Modify Solid Entity tools to manipulate the entire SmartSolid or a particular face, edge, or vertex, also called an “entity.” You always have the ability to delete a solid entity using the Delete Solid Entity tool.

Submitted by: Josh Kulp, platform support analyst

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MicroStation tips from BE Conference 2007    

Place and rotate cells in a single operation; temporarily change the position of the XY coordinate system in 3D space.
>> more

Using display sets.
>> more

These tips were presented at BE Conference 2007 by Stephen Holmes, head of Consultancy Services at Cadventure.

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BE User Group events    

Mid-Continent MicroStation Users Group (MCMC)
August 26-27, Overland Park Conference Center, Overland Park, Kan.

Bentley Plant Users Group
September 17-19, Biloxi, Miss.

TMC CFB
September 24, The Antwerp Zoo, Belgium

IDDEA Group
October 1-3, Schemen Center, Iowa State Campus, Ames Iowa

Florida Local Users Group (FLUG) Fall Conference
October 30-31

Watch for more upcoming BE User Group events.
>> more

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New learning opportunities from Bentley    

The Bentley Institute regularly updates its course offerings. Some of the newest offerings focus on building design and structural design and analysis V8 XM Edition applications, as well as Bentley Rail Track, GEOPAK XM Edition, InRoads XM Edition, and PowerCivil.

To find available courses and register online, visit:

Scheduled courses
Find live, instructor-led courses for classroom and distance learning by product.

OnDemand eLearning courses
Find self-paced learning content by language or product.

BE User Group information
Network, share knowledge, and learn with colleagues at regional events.

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Distance learning    

This OnDemand eSeminar was created by recording a live, instructor-led distance learning session from the Bentley Institute. You will experience how this learning environment delivers real-time instruction and collaboration to any desktop, and see how distance learning:

• Is effective for individuals and groups,
• Provides a virtual classroom for simultaneously training users from multiple offices,
• Requires no travel and reduces time away from the office.

>> more

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Bentley LEARN    

This eSeminar shows how Bentley LEARN is the most cost-effective way to put learning on every desk in your organization.  The presentation includes a high-level overview of Bentley LEARN and a short demonstration of the OnDemand eLearning resources provided by this learning subscription program. You can see how Bentley LEARN can help your organization:

• Provide just-in-time training for more users,
• Reduce travel and fit training within busy schedules,
• Learn about product version updates,
• Learn a specific feature or task within your workflow.

>> More (register to attend a live eSeminar) 
>> More (view a prerecorded OnDemand eSeminar)

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Bentley eSeminars    

Find the most recent and most popular MicroStation/ProjectWise, Building, Civil, Geospatial, and Plant eSeminars from Bentley, with links to Bentley resources in each vertical.
>> more

promis•e 2007, our new electrical design solution

Whether you're creating schematic drawings, panel layouts, wire lists, bills of material, or terminal plans, you’ll find that the intelligent, automatic functions of the promis•e 2007 family of electrical CAD software make the design process fast, efficient, and accurate. This series of eSeminars, presented by Jim Baker, Bentley application engineer for electrical design products, steps you through how to get the most from these comprehensive tools.

• promis●e Overview – Learn how you can streamline your electrical design process and how to create a machine-design project starting from the bill of materials and from the CAD design phase of a project.
  >> more
• promis●e Project Modes – Learn how you can use promis●e to create electrical schematics and streamline the entire engineering process.
  >> more
• promis●e Project Reporting – Learn how to create project bills of materials, job costing lists, purchase order lists, point-to-point wiring lists, pin charts, terminal block plans, shortest-distance wiring lists, and more.
  >> more
• promis●e Project Development – Learn how to create project bills of materials and job costing and connection reports.
  >> more
• promis●e Project Navigation – Learn how to customize the software's dialog prompts and menus.
  >> more

RAM Structural System: True interoperability with the Revit Structure Link

Bidirectional integration between the RAM Structural System (RSS) and Revit Structure enables you to analyze and design buildings within the RSS environment and subsequently use Revit Structure for multidisciplinary collaboration as well as documentation.

The integrated environment will:

• Improve internal processes by linking engineering and CAD departments to eliminate tedious and costly redlining and review processes,
• Enable effective communication with the rest of the design team, enhancing collaboration,
• Streamline processes for higher profit margins and fewer errors.

Benefits for structural engineers include:

• Start in RAM Structural System or Revit Structure,
• Import or Export from Revit Structure,
  • Make changes in either application,
  • Update and synchronize models.

Kevin Billings, CAD production manager with Hart Gaugler & Associates, had this to say regarding the link, “I like that the software provides back and forth updates. This saves us a tremendous amount of time. The two-way communication is key for us to efficiently implement architectural changes quickly. We can update the RAM and Revit portion at the same time; it works very well for us.”

To find out more and to download the RAM Structural System-Revit link, visit http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Promo/Structural+Team/RSS+Revit.htm. You can view a recording of Bentley’s live eSeminar as well as see answers to frequently asked questions regarding the RAM Structural System-Revit Link.

To learn more about Bentley’s comprehensive structural products, visit www.Bentley.com/Structural

PlantSpace P&ID
Learn more about PlantSpace P&ID, including how to synchronize data from the project database into the PlantSpace P&ID environment; how to create P&IDs in the PlantSpace environment, tagging elements in P&ID; and how to process and synchronize data from the P&ID into the project database.
>> more

PlantSpace Equipment
Learn what PlantSpace Equipment can do for you, including how to model parametric equipment, how to place and orient nozzles, how to create custom equipment, and more.
>> more

PlantSpace Piping
Learn more about PlantSpace Piping, including how to route and place piping components in a 3D environment, how to automatically generate bills of materials, and more.
>> more

Connected by ProjectWise
You can improve project team collaboration without changing the way your team works. See how ProjectWise Explorer is as easy and intuitive as Windows Explorer, only better. Effectively manage reference files, find files quickly, and collaborate with others across all projects when your project team is connected by ProjectWise.
>> more

Video spotlights Barge Waggoner’s ProjectWise success

See how Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon is using ProjectWise to connect people and information across project teams – no matter where they are located – to improve quality, reduce rework, and meet deadlines. The firm has created a solution that integrates ProjectWise with Microsoft SharePoint to enable work sharing among 12 offices across three states.
 
“People not being utilized 100 percent of the time is a cost and an inefficiency for us,” said David Davidson, president and COO of Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon. “Through organization-wide adoption of ProjectWise and SharePoint, we have been able to increase utilization and raise the revenue per head by approximately 25 percent.”

Independent ROI reports verify that all engineers in an organization can save up to 15 percent of their annual cost when sharing work with ProjectWise.

“The quality of our projects has really been enhanced through the ProjectWise and SharePoint portals because we can disseminate information so quickly, and because we can tie everyone together through one standard,” Davidson said.

Watch the video now!

Bentley Map XM Edition – the new desktop GIS for mapping and engineering the world’s infrastructure

This one-hour eSeminar demonstrates how Bentley Map, a full desktop GIS, addresses the specific needs of organizations that map, plan, design, build, and operate the world’s infrastructure. The core desktop product in the Bentley geospatial architecture, Bentley Map, integrates seamlessly with the Bentley Geospatial Server and Bentley’s mobile, web-publishing and industry-specific applications. It is also the preferred platform for customized geospatial workflows delivered by third parties. Bentley Map is one of the ways in which Bentley is advancing GIS for infrastructure.
>> more

eSeminars available from Integrated Structural Solutions Seminar

Bentley’s Structural Engineering Group held a seminar in Houston on integrated structural solutions for plant applications. One of the attendees, James Yong, PE, SE with TechnipUSA, said, “I was very impressed with the seminar. In fact, after viewing the capabilities of the programs, I am requesting that my company purchase RAM Connection and STAAD.foundation licenses.”
 
The seminar highlighted the new version of STAAD.Pro, as well as the integration with RAM Connection and STAAD.foundation. It demonstrated an integrated workflow for industrial structures utilizing STAAD.Pro 2007, STAAD.foundation, and RAM Connection.

View the seminar:
Integrated Structural Design for Industrial Structures (STAAD.Pro - Part 1) 

Integrated Structural Design for Industrial Structures (STAAD.Pro - Part 2) 

Integrated Structural Design for Industrial Structures (RAM Connection) 

Integrated Structural Design for Industrial Structures (STAAD.foundation) 

ProjectWise Navigator
Learn more about ProjectWise Navigator and find out what this visual collaboration tool can do for you. You’ll learn how to assemble 2D/3D content, how to check-in/check-out transactions, how to review project designs, and more.
>> more

Bentley Data Manager/Bentley Datasheets eSeminar
Learn about Bentley Data Manager and Bentley Datasheets, including how to create views in the database, what datasheets are, datasheet synchronization, and more.
>> more

AutoPLANT P&ID
Learn more about AutoPLANT P&ID, including how to use the symbol manager, what P&ID is, how to use the assembly manager, and more.
>> more

AutoPLANT Equipment
Learn what AutoPLANT Equipment can do for you, including how to model parametric equipment, how to place and orient nozzles, how to create custom equipment, and more.
>> more

AutoPLANT Piping
Learn more about AutoPLANT Piping, including how to route and place piping components in a 3D environment, how to automatically generate bills of materials, and more.
>> more

Create PDF with MicroStation V8 XM Edition
Watch this eSeminar to learn about the immutable PDF file-publishing capabilities of MicroStation. See how easy it is to add comments to PDF files using Adobe Acrobat. Learn how to attach PDF files as references in a DGN, and learn how to create interactive 3D PDF files that contain rendered models with switchable level or layer structures and predefined animations for playback and review.
>> more

ProjectWise Passport
Did you know that every MicroStation license covered by a current Bentley SELECT agreement is eligible for a ProjectWise Passport at no additional charge? And did you know that each ProjectWise Passport licenses its holder to use a number of Bentley products, including ProjectWise StartPoint, ProjectWise Navigator, and ProjectWise InterPlot Organizer?
>> more

Visual Collaboration with ProjectWise Navigator
Joe Croser, global marketing director, platform products and subscriptions, highlights the challenges associated with assembling a variety of project content in one place for design review and analysis. You can learn to:

• Assemble 2D/3D content from hundreds of applications and file stores,
• Review designs and models in an immersive and homogeneous environment,
• Enrich content by adding comments, project links, and materials for visualization,
• Analyze and simulate construction schedules and assess buildability,
• Produce portable and intelligent work packages for downstream activities.

>>more

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Bentley white papers    

Sustaining Infrastructure
This paper by Buddy Cleveland, senior vice president of Bentley’s Applied Research Group, explains Bentley’s interpretation of sustainability. It lays out the company’s view of the role of infrastructure in creating a sustainable world; how Bentley users are meeting these challenges today; how they can better address the challenges in the future; and how Bentley’s solutions and products are positioned to support them.
>> more

ISO 15926 - Lifecycle Data for Process Plant
Ever since CAD and 3D modeling were first computerized, there has been a need to exchange 2D and 3D geometry information between different CAD systems. In order to provide a common file format for this geometry information exchange, the development of standards began, and ISO 15926 “lifecycle data for process plant” was proposed. The ISO 15926 initiative has been steadily increasing in maturity ever since, and with that increase in maturity the interest and the adoption of this important standard has gained acceptance throughout the plant domain. By going beyond data handover, ISO 15926 is fast becoming the standard for interoperability and collaboration between complex data models of all types, including both 2D and 3D data models.
>> more

Making PDS Interoperable
In a recent user survey taken by Bentley, 90 percent said the transition from PDS is important to them. However, only 28 percent said they had enough information to make a decision on which route to take.

This paper is intended to fill that information gap. It sets out options for PDS users to continue gaining value from their PDS systems, and to take an evolutionary approach toward a transition using the components of Bentley’s DigitalPlant solution. It also provides information about future developments that will help users work out the timing of investments.
>>more

Managing PDS Documents Effectively
Failing to manage and track all the work-in-progress design files for the complete project makes the synchronization between distributed design teams virtually impossible, and can have disastrous consequences for the project. This white paper investigates the processes involved in managing PDS projects and makes recommendations for process improvements.
>>more

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MicroStation tips from askinga.com move to BE Communities Wiki    

A message from Inga:
I'm pleased to announce that all AskInga articles have been added to the BE Communities Wiki site. Now you can update, edit, and modify the content yourself when you find yourself saying, “Hey, that doesn't work in XM!” or “What the heck was she thinking?”

Since 1999, AskInga has been a well-respected repository of all things MicroStation: articles, tutorials, tricks, tips, and then some. Among more than 750 tips and 250 articles, you were certain to find content that you had either long forgotten or had yet to discover. Many of you contributed content including freeware, stupid tricks, and workflows, and also took the time to point out omissions and needed corrections. And for that I thank you. I simply could not have managed this site without your valued input.

The complexity of MicroStation has evolved over the years to a point that I found it increasingly difficult to manage the content of AskInga on my own. Just as soon as I add one tip, another becomes obsolete. Key-ins changed, dialogs were modified, and old workflows were replaced with new tools. And, although I tried to stay current with these changes, the fact remains that it was a daunting task. . . .

By now you've heard about the new BE Communities website and its forums, blogs, and wiki. After lengthy discussions with Bentley colleagues and a heartfelt internal dialog with myself, the decision was made to port the technical content to the new wiki site hosted by BE Communities. The articles have been successfully moved and can be found here:
http://communities.bentley.com/Wiki/view.aspx/AskInga_Articles

The tips are located here:
http://communities.bentley.com/Wiki/view.aspx/AskInga_Tips

As for the future of askinga.com, it will remain up and running but will no longer be maintained. It is my hope that you will continue to contribute and support the AskInga legacy in its new home.

I thank you all for the many years of enthusiasm and support. I could not have done it without you.

Best Regards,
~Inga
June 2008

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Bentley, the “B” Bentley logo, BE, Bentley Institute, Bentley Communications, Bentley Geospatial Server, Bentley Map, Bentley SELECT, Bentley Rail Track, AutoPLANT, Digital InterPlot, DigitalPlant, GEOPAK, GEOPAK Site, InRoads, InterPlot, MicroStation, MicroStation PowerCivil, PlantSpace , PlantSpace Equipment, PlantSpace P&ID, PlantSpace Piping, ProjectWise, ProjectWise Explorer, ProjectWise Navigator,  ProjectWise Passport, ProjectWise StartPoint, promis●e, RAM, RAM Connection, RAM Structural System, SELECT, STAAD, STAAD.foundation, and STAAD.Pro are either registered or unregistered trademarks or service marks of Bentley Systems, Incorporated, or one of its direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries. Other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.